finalism

[ fahyn-l-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the doctrine or belief that all events are determined by their purposes or goals.

finalism

/ ˈfaɪnəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy the doctrine that final causes determine the course of all events

Derived Forms

• ˌfinaˈlistic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of finalism¹

First recorded in 1905–10; final + -ism

Example Sentences

But radical finalism is quite as unacceptable, and for the same reason.

From Project Gutenberg

The theory we shall put forward in this book will therefore necessarily partake of finalism to a certain extent.”

From Project Gutenberg

M. Bergson's form of finalism depends upon his conception of life.

From Project Gutenberg

Finalism thus understood is only inverted mechanism.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet finalism is not, like mechanism, a doctrine with fixed rigid outlines.

From Project Gutenberg